Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Sweet Potato Cottage Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Eve
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Sweet Potato Cottage Pie is a comforting, hearty dish featuring a flavorful ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a savory meat layer seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Layer

  • 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 4 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly-grated nutmeg (optional)

Meat Layer

  • 2 tablespoons oil (such as olive oil or any oil you have on hand)
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 3 medium carrots, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 2 medium stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 large cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/4 cups beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For Assembly

  • 1/2 tablespoon butter (to grease the dish)
  • 3 ounces freshly-grated sharp white cheddar cheese (aged English cheddar works well)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a small baking tray with foil to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
  2. Roast the sweet potatoes: Rinse and dry the sweet potatoes, then poke holes in each with a fork. Place them on the baking tray and roast in the oven until tender when pierced with a paring knife, about 1 hour. Allow the potatoes to cool until they are safe to handle.
  3. Mash the sweet potatoes: Slice open each roasted potato and scoop the flesh into a large bowl, discarding the skins. Mash the sweet potato with melted butter, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and the optional freshly grated nutmeg until smooth and creamy. For an extra smooth texture, you can use a food processor.
  4. Prepare the meat filling: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat oil in a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the beef begins to brown.
  5. Add aromatics and tomato paste: Stir in crushed garlic, minced fresh thyme, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to develop flavors.
  6. Simmer with liquids: Pour in beef stock and Worcestershire sauce, then season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the filling thickens.
  7. Finish the meat mixture: Remove from heat and stir in thawed green peas and fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
  8. Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 1.5-liter casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  9. Assemble the pie: Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer the mashed sweet potatoes over the top, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated sharp white cheddar cheese on top of the sweet potato layer.
  10. Bake the pie: Place the casserole dish on a foil-lined large baking tray to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is warm throughout and the cheese topping is golden, about 25 to 30 minutes. For a browned top, finish under the broiler briefly as desired.
  11. Rest and serve: Let the cottage pie cool in the dish for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme and enjoy this comforting classic.

Notes

  • You can puree the mashed sweet potatoes in a food processor for extra smoothness.
  • Use aged English cheddar for a sharper, more traditional flavor on top.
  • Cover the skillet while cooking the meat and vegetables to help them soften and retain moisture.
  • Resting the casserole before serving allows it to set and makes it easier to serve.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with lentils or a meat alternative and use vegetable stock.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Find it online: https://everecipes.com/sweet-potato-cottage-pie-recipe/